" Hotel Industry and Environmental Issues "

“Hotel Industry and Environmental Issues” Two Days National Seminar on ‘Environmental Issues and Social Exclusion’ Organised by Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Shivaji University, Kolhapur. February 11 and 12, 2014 Paper presented by Sumedha Naik Assistant Professor S.K.Patil Sindhudurg Mahavidyalaya, Malvan Dist. Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, IndiaHotel Industry and Environmental Issues * Sumedha Naik * Abstract The benefits of tourism are often accompanied by many negative environmental impacts. The hotel sector is one of the tourism industry’s largest drivers of employment and economic revenue but at the same time it is one of the most energy-intensive. Becoming more sustainable or environmentally responsible has become the road to success in this changing scenario. Hotel industry has started going green. This paper focuses on the various negative impacts of hotel sector on environment. It is an effort to bring forward the best practices of hotel industry all over the world on its path towards sustainability. This is an attempt to recommend strategies to lessen the negative impact on environment. ___________________________________________________________________________ This study is a step ahead towards saving our valuable resources. __________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: Tourism, Hotel, Environment, Sustainability, Green * This paper is presented in Two Days National Seminar on 11st and 12th February, 2014 on 'Environmental Issues and Social Exclusion’ Organised by Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Shivaji University, Kolhapur ** Sumedha Naik Assistant Professor, S.K.Patil Sindhudurg Mahavidyalaya, Malvan Dist. Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, India Hotel Industry and Environmental Issues Sumedha Naik 1. Introduction International tourism and travel is a vital contributor to the economy of many developing countries. Tourism is a profitable economic endeavor, making it an economically enticing industry for many countries. Tourism will continue to play an important role in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals, particularly the alleviation of poverty in developing countries with international tourist arrivals projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2020. However, the benefits of tourism are often accompanied by many negative environmental and social impacts. These include: revenue leakage from the community, air noise and water pollution, degradation and depletion of natural resources, biodiversity loss, labor issues, encroachment and overbuilding. Tourism and travel is vector of climate change, accounting for approximately 5% of global carbon dioxide emissions. By 2035, under a ‘business as usual’ scenario, carbon dioxide emissions from global tourism are projected to increase by 130%. A crucial interdependence exists between the climate, the tourism, the environment and the community. The hotel industry forms a large part of the tourism industry. Individually, hotels do not have a significant negative impact on the environment. Collectively however, they consume huge amount of resources. Hotels and other types of accommodation contribute 2% of the 5% global CO2 emission by the tourism sector. It has been estimated that 75% of hotels' environmental impacts can be directly related to excessive consumption of resources and it creates unnecessary operational costs. The three key areas of environmental impact are energy, water, and waste. In destinations that do not have the necessary infrastructure and systems to manage these impacts, severe degradation of the environment can occur. The need to address environmental problems has become an important point of interest for hoteliers and their managers throughout the world. Making a contribution to solving these problems is often referred to as greening. Becoming more sustainable or environmentally responsible are also often used to describe achievements in this field. Larger companies have been criticized as being the main culprit in releasing excess greenhouse emissions, climate change, environmental devastation, and unfair treatment of employees. Due to such criticisms and negative publicity, many hotel businesses have increased the focus on corporate social responsibility. In a world looking for new models of economic growth and development, fighting climate change and adopting sustainable management practices is no longer an option, but a condition for survival and success. 2. Significance of Study This study brings forward the environmental issues related to hotel industry. Indian hotel industry is yet unaware of the greening efforts generated all over the world, with an exception of few market leaders. It is need of hour to accept the mistakes of the industry done in the past and to look forward for the brighter future of sustainable environment. Sustainable management practices are included in this paper with a view that Indian hoteliers would understand them and follow them. The environment activists and academicians too make an advocacy for such practices and ensure that the hoteliers will make changes accordingly. These practices are beneficial for hotel owners in both ways: costs saving and environment saving. This study is also helpful for upcoming hotel projects. The pipeline hotels can make required changes and adopt energy efficient equipments, construct green buildings, etc. It is also helpful for government officials for drawing sustainable policies for the hotel industry and their effective implementation. 3. Purpose of the study The purpose of this study is as follows: To study the environmental issues of hotel industry. To study the best practices of sustainability in hotel industry. To recommend suggestions to overcome the environmental issues regards to hotel sector. 6. Methodology This study is based on secondary data. Various international agencies’ reports, journals, books and internet sources are used for the same. 7. Limitations of the study This paper presents only bird’s eye view of the environmental issues generated by hotel industry. Due to limitations only some of the sustainable hotel management practices are described here. 8. Environmental Issues The three key areas of negative environmental impact of hotel industry are energy, water, and waste. Energy - According to Gössling et. al. (2005), "the average energy consumption per bed per night in hotels might be in the order of 130 Megajoules. Hotels generally use more energy per visitor than local residents, as they have energy intense facilities, such as bars, restaurants, and pools, and have more spacious rooms". Studies have determined that a hotel emits an average 20.6 kg of carbon dioxide per night (Gössling et al., 2005). Excessive energy use is extremely costly and with minor adjustments, it can lead to massive cost savings. Waste - A study conducted by Bohdanowicz (2005) also identified that hotels are not only resource intensive and that waste generation is one of the most visible effects on the environment. One estimate identified "that an average hotel produces in excess of one kilogram of waste per guest per day". Hotel and restaurant waste contributes to around 25-30 % of the total waste generated. Much of the waste created in hotels is generated from within the kitchen (organic food waste, packaging, aluminum cans, glass bottles, corks and cooking oils), or from the housekeeping department (cleaning materials and plastic packaging). Waste is not only created in guest rooms but also in public areas, hotel gardens (engine oils, pesticides, paints and preservatives to grass and hedge trimmings) and offices (toner cartridges, paper and cardboard waste). At present in India, Hotel waste generated by small restaurants is disposed off directly by the hotels at nearby collection spots. Food waste dumped at these collection spots gets mixed with all the other kinds of dry and wet waste. In case of 4 and 5 star hotels, the hotel waste is disposed off directly by the hotels through private contractors to the dumping ground. Cruise ships in the Caribbean are estimated to produce more than 70,000 tons of waste each year. Wastewater has polluted seas and lakes surrounding tourist attractions, damaging the flora and fauna. Sewage runoff causes serious damage to coral reefs because it stimulates the growth of algae, which cover the filter-feeding corals, hindering their ability to survive. Water - Tourists and residents alike require a clean and dependable supply of water for survival including drinking, cooking and cleansing. However, water is integral to the amenities usually expected by tourists, such as swimming pools, landscaped gardens, and golf courses. Water also supports industries such as agriculture that support the tourism industry (Pigram, 1995). Thus, tourists demand more water than local residents on a per capita basis (Essex, Kent & Newnham, 2004). It has been estimated by Salen (1995) that 15,000 cubic meters of water would typically supply 100 rural farmers for three years and 100 urban families for two years, yet only supply 100 luxury hotel guests for less than two months (Holden, 2000). In dryer regions, tourists' water consumption can amount to 440 liters a day per tourist, which is almost double the average amount of water used by residents in Spain (UNEP, 2008). In recent years golf tourism has increased in popularity and the number of golf courses has grown rapidly. Golf courses require an enormous amount of water every day and this can result in water scarcity. If the water comes from wells, over-pumping can cause saline intrusion into groundwater. An average golf course in a tropical country such as Thailand needs 1500kg of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides per year and uses as much water as 60,000 rural villagers. 9. Hotels Impact on Biodiversity A hotel impacts biodiversity at each stage of its life cycle, from planning through to closure: At the planning stage: The most important issue relates to choices about its siting and design of the hotel. Even the most sustainably operated hotel will have major impacts if it is built in a biodiversity-sensitive area. Choices of construction materials, source of those materials and the total physical footprint of the hotel will also influence the magnitude of impact in the operational stage. At the construction stage: Impact is determined by the size and location of the area cleared for development, the choice of construction methods, the sources and amount and type of materials, water and energy used to build the hotel, the location of temporary camps for construction workers, inadequate storage facilities for construction materials, the amount of construction waste that has to be disposed of, and other types of damage such as surface soil erosion or compaction caused by construction activities or disruption of natural water flows and drainage patterns. In the operational stage: A hotel’s impact comes mainly from the energy, water, food and other resources that are consumed in running the hotel, by the solid and liquid wastes it produces, by the way its grounds are managed, and by the direct impacts of its guests.  In addition, regular renovation and replacement of furniture, appliances and facilities can cause impacts through purchasing choices and increased waste generation.  In marine areas many tourist activities occur in or around fragile ecosystems. Anchoring, scuba diving, yachting and cruising are some of the activities that can cause direct degradation of marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. At the closure stage:  A hotel’s impacts come from the disposal of materials removed from the hotel to refurbish it, convert it for other uses, or demolish it, and from the work involved in these activities.  There may also be some toxic materials, which will require careful handling and management.  10. Hotel Services and their impact Following table shows the various services or activities of hotels and their impact on environment: Service/Activity Description Main Environmental Impacts Administration Hotel management Reception of clients Energy, water and materials (mainly paper), Generation of waste and hazardous waste (toner cartridges, e-waste) Technical Services Equipment for producing hot water and heating, Air conditioning, Lighting Swimming pools, Green areas Mice and insect extermination Repairs and maintenance Energy and water consumption Consumption and generation of a wide range of hazardous products Air and soil emissions, Generation of waste water, Pesticides use Restaurant/bar Breakfast, lunch, dinner Beverages and snacks Energy, water and raw materials consumption, Packaging waste Organic waste Kitchen Food conservation, Food preparation, Dish washing Consumption of energy and water Packaging waste, Oil waste, Organic waste, Generation of odours Room Use Use by guests, Products for guests' use, Housekeeping Energy, water and raw materials consumption, Use of hazardous products, Generation of waste packaging, waste water Laundry Washing and ironing of guest clothes, Washing and ironing of hotel linens Consumption of energy and water Use of hazardous cleaning products Generation of waste water  (Source: Gracie 2009) 11. Best Green Practices In addition to the social and environmental advantages to reducing energy consumption, there are financial and customer service benefits for the hoteliers. Increasing awareness about the environmental issues has seen hotel guests becoming more discerning about the environmental credentials of the hotels. Being sustainable can enhance hotel business's reputation and help to attract more customers. The investment community is increasingly regarding excellence in environmental management and performance as an indication of the quality and aptitude of management in general. Some insurance companies and lenders are beginning to selectively adjust their rates based on environmental criteria. 1. Hotel Energy Solutions Project: In 2008, UNWTO launched the Hotel Energy project. The aim of this project is to provide energy efficiency solutions and increased use of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies for the tourism accommodation sector across 27 European Union Countries. This is seen as a significant way to reduce the impact of the sector on climate change by mitigating emissions. The Hotel Energy Solutions project will do three things: Develop a range of tools and materials to assist small and medium enterprises hotels to plan for and invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Test the tools in hotels and use the lessons learned to improve them. Tell people about these tools- disseminate and promote the most suitable practical solutions to SME hotels across the European Union and far beyond. 2. Low Flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators: Holiday Inn on King in Toronto reports saving Cdn $14,852 per year through the installation of low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. 3. Energy Conservation Program : The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto invested Cdn $25,000 in an energy conservation program to replace leaky steam traps and fix leaks, which resulted in an annual savings of over Cdn $200,000. The Fairmont has received the 2008 Environmental Leadership Award from the Professional Convention Management Association and the 2008 Green Leadership Award from Hotelier Magazine. Awards and recognition spread the news of the hotel's efforts and attracts new clientele, such as corporations that need to conduct business with socially responsible companies. 4. Occupancy Sensors: The Holiday Inn in North Vancouver, British Columbia has saved approximately USD $16,000 annually and reduced 28 percent of its energy consumption through installing an in-room energy management system. The system features occupancy sensors that automatically monitor and adjust individual room temperatures. 5. Water Recycling Plant: The Otani in Japan installed a new air conditioning and kitchen system, through which it achieved a 14% savings in energy and a 30% carbon emissions reduction. The Otani in Japan constructed a water recycling plant, which produces 1,000 tons of recycled water daily from kitchen sewage to be utilized in gardens or staff lavatories (Ernst and Young, 2008). 6. Green Building Practices: The Orchid Hotel in India is a prime example of a "green" hotel that attracts up-scale clientele and provides state-of-the-art technology and luxury in an "environmental friendly context" (Jones, 2002). The Orchid Hotel in is located in the polluted city of Mumbai. However, despite these unfavourable surroundings, this hotel is definitely one of the pioneers of applying sustainable principles and practices. It has won 84 national and international awards, is five-globe Ecotel certified and ISO 14001 certified. The sustainable principles and practices applied in this hotel range from environmentally friendly construction materials, water and energy usage reducing technologies and equipment and a number of measures to ensure the status of a “zero garbage” hotel. 7. Waste Management: Waste elimination at source and recycling help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the manufacturing stage; these practices also keep waste out of the landfill, thus reducing landfill methane emissions as well. Recycling one tonne of office paper creates 95 percent less air pollution and uses about 60 percent of the energy needed to produce the same amount of paper from trees. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television set for three hours. At present, Hotel Orchid, Rhodas and Lotus suites are managing their waste quite well and can set an example for other hotels. 12. Recommendations Green Practices: Despite the setup costs and the possible lengthy return on investment associated with environmental initiatives, the economic benefits usually outweigh the cost of implementation. Starting with projects that are less capital intensive e.g. retrofitting light bulbs, energy metering, and training staff to be conscious of energy use - can lead to substantial cost savings. There are many green practices that hotels can implement as preventative measures to save unnecessary costs. Examples of these practices are: Pollution prevention such as waste discharge into waterways, use of local products to save transportation and fuel costs. Efficient Energy Use e.g. Use of compact fluorescent lights, installation of green roofs, installation of solar heaters or other renewable energy source, Low-flow shower systems to saves water and energy. An energy audit carried out by an energy expert is the best way to get a comprehensive view of the actions that need to be taken in order to improve the energy efficiency of a specific hotel. Recycling & Reuse e.g. reuse of linens to save water, detergent, energy and greenhouse gases. Protect the building from extreme temperatures: Window insulation, Building insulation, Prevention of air infiltration and of unnecessary outdoor air supply, Installation of sun shading devices, Outside work to improve summer comfort are the ways to protect hotel buildings from extreme temperatures Regulation compliance: Hotels must anticipate future regulatory changes and implement initiatives to mitigate the possible costly effects of emerging regulation. Some environmental regulations are good for economic competition as they stimulate innovation that can offset the cost of compliance. By implementing measures in the face of societal and regulatory pressures, unexpected, but substantial cost savings as well as potential new areas of profit may be found. Environmental Risk Management Strategy: Traditionally, a hotel's risk management strategy has been focused on health and safety concerns around food and water, pest infestation, fire or water damage, outbreaks of disease, and guest security and safety. In recent years however, environmental and social issues are emerging as a key risk issue for the lodging sector. Hotel industry should consider the environmental risks of Water and land contamination, Air and noise pollution, Supply chain environmental practices and Waste management. Environmental Policy Statement: An environmental policy statement should be written to communicate both internally and externally. Policy statements should be communicated through Employee manuals, at the back of the house, on the website, in guest information packs, etc. A well written policy statement needs to expresses the following: Environmental goals that the facility will undertake (for example, committing to reduce 20% of waste by X year). The way in which the organization aims to treat the people it employs (for example, through upholding equal opportunities and other fundamental human rights). The way in which it aims to integrate into the community in which it is based and co-operate on any significant local issues that impact the business. Employee Training: In order for an environmental program to be successful, the goals and objectives should be incorporated into employee training. Employees should be made aware of the policies and initiatives, as well as the goals and objectives of the environmental program. This information should be included in training documentation, in orientation packages for new employees, as well as other staff training methods, with the aim to integrate these policies into the organization. Posters, general staff emails and other less formal means are also a great way to make employees aware of the environmental program initiatives. Policies work best when staff members understand their responsibilities in achieving the policy objectives. Hotel companies may use environmental programs as a staff incentive - the financial savings earned are translated into cash or other rewards such as in-house events or trips. Guest Awareness: Tourists are often unaware of the impacts they have while they are on holiday and so it is important to help them understand how they can minimize this. There are many ways to do this for example by providing information on the website, public areas of the hotel, and in guest rooms. Customer loyalty may increase once they have experienced a hotel which has demonstrated a level of environmental commitment. Sustainability Leadership: Hotels should foster the development of green tourism and promote its benefits to its guests. Hotels need to find visionary leaders who can inspire, educate, and spark excitement for sustainability from within the organization. One of their main tasks will be convincing departmental leaders that sustainability is not just another passing trend but a valid business model with real benefits. Each department within a hotel company should work with the sustainability officers to define how environmentalism affects their team, develop a clear strategy with measurable goals, and then create a plan to achieve their objectives.  13. Conclusion This paper only presents an overview of what has been done so far. Further research is needed and a lot of work still remains to be done. It is clear that an investment in green hotels is an investment in sustainable global development. Investing in environmentally-friendly tourism can drive economic growth, lead to poverty reduction and job creation, while improving resource efficiency and minimizing environmental degradation. The time is right for governments to invest in greenhouse gas mitigation and climate change adaptation approaches. The time is right for hotel sector to forge ahead with innovative low carbon initiatives that would contribute to the economy. The time is right because any further delay in action will result in consequences for the hotel industry and its dependants. 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